This chapter reviews the possible mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in seeds. It discusses
some of the anatomical, biochemical, and biophysical events associated with the onset …

At harvest, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds are dormant and unable to germinate at
temperatures below 15C. Seed storage in the dry state, known as after‐ripening, is …

The mechanisms of protection against mechanical and oxidative stress were identified and
compared in the angiosperm resurrection plants Craterostigma wilmsii, Myrothamnus …

Mechanisms of avoidance and protection against light damage were studied in the resurrection
plants Craterostigma wilmsii and Xerophyta viscosa. In C. wilmsii, a combination of both …

Water‐deficit stress poses unique challenges to plant cells dependent on a hydrostatic skeleton
and a polysaccharide‐rich cell wall for growth and development. How the plant cell wall …

Abstract Changes in water-soluble carbohydrates were examined in the leaves of the resurrection
plant Xerophyta viscosa under conditions of water deficit. Sucrose and raffinose family …

Water is a major limiting factor in world agriculture. In general, most crop plants are highly
sensitive to even a mild dehydration stress. There are however, a few genera of plants unique …

Ageing induces seed deterioration expressed as the loss of seed vigour and/or viability.
Priming treatment, which consists in soaking of seeds in a solution of low water potential, has …

Vegetative desiccation tolerance occurs in a unique group of species termed ‘resurrection
plants'. Here, we review the molecular genetic, physiological, biochemical, ultrastructural and …

Work undertaken to establish causes of recalcitrant seed behaviour is reviewed. Recalcitrant
seeds are those which are shed with relatively high moisture content and in which …